Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

I support this good and timely motion which deals with support for workers' rights. There is no doubt that the race to the bottom started when the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition came to power in 1997. This is evident in the Government's support for Irish Ferries and the MV Normandy and the support of the former Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, for the services directive.

I concur with the previous speakers who condemned the jailing of three BATU members for demanding the right to have a reasonable amount of local labour on building sites and to ensure trade union members are employed. I compliment Joanna Delaney who was recently sacked by Dunnes Stores for wearing her union badge. Every worker should have the right to wear the emblem of the union of which he or she is a member.

I concur with the motion which states the need for a separate, stand-alone labour affairs ministry. There is a serious conflict of interest between enterprise and trade and labour. Deputy Joe Higgins referred to the example of Gama as proof of this. A separate labour affairs ministry is required to stand up for workers' rights at the Cabinet table.

The labour inspectorate is understaffed and under-resourced. Good legislation is no use if its enforcement is not funded and if the people are not available to implement it. The number of on-site investigations has decreased significantly. A doubling or trebling of the labour inspectorate is required.

Deputy Gregory referred to life-long learning but the Minister for Education and Science de-prioritised this area. Funding for schemes such as Youthreach and the vocational training opportunities scheme, VTOS, adult education and Traveller education was increased by a mere 3.8%, whereas the overall education budget increased by more than 8.8%. I support the motion.

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